March 26: Letters To the Editor

A licensed gun owner is not allowed to use lethal force just because someone is outdoors on their property (“Teen severely injured in Revere dog attack,” March 22).

In many cases, the intruder would have to be within the home or place of business or structure and even then — without evidence of fear for life — charges of assault and battery, manslaughter or even murder could be brought upon the shooter.

Why then is it that a person would be allowed to put lethal weapons in a yard where kids could possibly gain access, and where these indiscriminating beasts (which are lethal weapons when trained or abused) can maul anyone within reach, without serious consequences even though there is no evidence that the trespasser put anyone in imminent danger? Why not then allow mine fields to protect private property?

— Kenneth Pittman, Dartmouth

Prez lets vets down

As a disabled veteran, I agree with the article on the Veterans Administration’s backlog of unprocessed benefits claims (“Nation’s debt to veterans is past due,” March 15). And I don’t doubt Gen. Eric Shinseki’s commitment to the troops, and his desire to do the right thing as secretary of veterans affairs. However, I conclude that the Obama administration’s whole sham of caring about veterans is nothing more than hollow promises and posturing by the president.

— Kevin A. Barry, Braintree

Howie, give her a break

Howie Carr’s column on U.S. Sen. Elizabeth Warren was horribly disrespectful (“Book’s success will be ‘Rigged’,” March 22). Just because Scott Brown lost his Senate seat to her, Carr puts her down no matter what the situation is.

— Mary Gonsalves, Nottingham, N.H.

For taxpayers only

A UMass Lowell-Boston Herald poll found nearly 48 percent of voters strongly or somewhat support Gov. Deval Patrick’s tax plan (“Gov urges lawmakers to OK tax hike,” March 8). There is that pesky 48 percent taking over. Only people who pay taxes should be allowed to vote on raising taxes. Otherwise the entitled majority give themselves more free stuff.

— Marlene Morrissey, Revere

Internet scores a win

It’s one of the greatest assets of the Internet (“Tweet leads to arrest in MBTA driver beating,” March 14). Throughout history, many people who’ve committed crimes have been stupid enough to brag about them. In the past, it was usually “word of mouth” bragging, which didn’t always hold up in court. But thanks to the Internet, these same criminals can provide police with incontrovertible evidence. And hopefully, an MBTA bus driver will be able to sleep a little easier knowing someone may pay for the crime in his senseless beating.